"We're just growing, just learning, taking all the knowledge we can, getting prepared for every game," Anthony said. "We're taking it serious. We're just trying to get it done."

Much of that stems from the motivation to prove folks wrong. Based on the way things have gone over the last two seasons, there have been plenty of questions regarding the Clemson defense.

"We're trying to earn respect from everybody," Anthony said. "We feel like everybody disrespected us and we're just trying to earn respect and play Clemson ball."

And Anthony has played a big part in trying to change that school of though.

"I'm a lot more comfortable," he said. "I believe the biggest difference is I'm having fun, enjoying it. I'm just playing the game of football. It's been the same football game since I was little."

Anthony added, "It's just a different effort, different attitude. I'm just trying to get to the ball."

At 3:30 on Saturday, they'll face a Wake Forest offense that's been pretty anemic through four games. The Demon Deacons are next to last in the league in both points per game [21.2] and yards per game [339.5].

Anthony said he and his defensive mates will take the right kind of approach during practice this week.